Union vs Charlotte: a one-point gap in the East on Saturday
Fifth-place Charlotte visit sixth-place Philadelphia, who arrive on a five-game winning run.
The Philadelphia Union host Charlotte FC at Subaru Park on Saturday in a game between two Eastern Conference sides separated by a single point. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. ET, and the match is on Apple TV.
What's at stake
With 29 games played each, Charlotte sit fifth in the East on 46 points and Philadelphia sixth on 45, though the Union hold the better goal difference, +13 to +8, according to theScore. Philly Soccer Page's preview frames it as a seeding game for the hosts: a win would lift the Union past Charlotte. For Charlotte, the same preview says a win could clinch a playoff berth, and a draw might be enough depending on results elsewhere. That is the outlet's reading of the table, not an official clinching scenario, so check the league's own tracker before kickoff.
Two teams heading in opposite directions
Philadelphia arrive on a run of five straight wins, per theScore's form guide and Squawka. Philly Soccer Page describes a longer unbeaten stretch in which the Union have outscored opponents 41-16, but the figures in that preview were not consistent about the length of the run, so Torch is not repeating them.
Charlotte lost 3-1 at Columbus on Wednesday after Idan Toklomati put them ahead in the 17th minute, and Philly Soccer Page notes they have conceded three goals in each of their last two matches.
Players to watch
Milan Iloski has been the Union's main scorer, with 18 goals this season according to theScore (Squawka, using slightly older data, listed 17). Bruno Damiani has also been scoring, and Philly Soccer Page highlights the creativity of homegrown midfielder Cavan Sullivan, credited there with 14 assists.
For Charlotte, Toklomati has 12 goals, per Philly Soccer Page, and Pep Biel also has 12 goals. Biel's assist total differs between sources, so it is left out here.
Availability
Philly Soccer Page lists Jesus Bueno as out for the Union with a hamstring injury and no issues for Charlotte; Squawka's pre-match piece reported no fresh absences for either side. Lineups were not confirmed at the time of writing.
History
According to theScore, Charlotte won the previous meeting between the sides 2-1 on April 4, 2026.
Jon Freemon is the referee, with Kevin Stott on VAR (theScore).